Easily disintegrable structures

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a structure having a main body portion substantially entirely composed of a frangible material, as tempered glass, having a narrow integrally joined tip member projecting from said main body portion, the fracturing of the tip resulting in the complete disintegration of the main body portion, the main body portion being extremely resistant to shocks thereto while said tip is integrally joined to it. Specific embodiments utilizing this structure are disclosed as containers, bolts, normally closed valves, and connecting rings.

United States Patent lnventor David Z. Lippmann 3411 Speedway, Apt. D4, Austin, Text. 78705 Appl. No. 26,830

Filed Apr. 9, 1970 Patented Oct. 19, 1971 EASILY DISINTEGRABLE STRUCTURES 7 Claims, 5 Drawing Figs.

US. Cl 215/32 Int. Cl 865d 1/02, B65d l7/00 Field of Search 215/32; 220/27 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,896,807 7/1959 sham 215/32 3,535,070 10/1970 Franceletal. 215/32 Primary Examiner-George T. Hall AtlorneyKenneth R. Glaser ABSTRACT: Disclosed is a structure having a main body portion substantially entirely composed of a frangible material, as tempered glass, having a narrow integrally joined tip member projecting from said main body portion, the fracturing of the tip resulting in the complete disintegration of the main body portion, the main body portion being extremely resistant to shocks thereto while said tip is integrally joined to it. Specific embodiments utilizing this structure are disclosed as containers, bolts, normally closed valves, and connecting rings.

PATENTEDUET 19 MI 3. 6 1 3 .9 3 0 INVENTOI? DAVID Z. LIPPMANN A r TORNEY EASILY DTSINTEGRABLE STRUCTURES This invention pertains to easily disintegrable structures, more particularly to frangible glass structures, and even more particularly to frangible containers and connectors.

There are many applications for structures which must have a high degree of structural integrity during use, but must also be easily and quickly fractured or destroyed upon command. For example, housings or containers for fluids or the like often must be fabricated of materials and be of a design that withstands impacts or mechanical shocks as well as hermetically seal their contents from the surrounding environment. At the same time, it is desirable that these containers have the capability of being easily ruptured or broken open in order to quickly release the fluid contents. Containers presently known in the art, however, that fulfill the former objectives often do so at the expense of the latter objective.

in other fields of application, it is desirable to use connectors and fasteners which, during use, must provide strength and ruggedness, and furnish an effective bond between the items being coupled. When it is desired, however, to quickly separate the coupled items, it is presently known to use explosive bolts or the like to destroy the bond. Among the disadvantages with these explosive bolts, however, is the expense associated therewith.

lt is therefore a primary object of this invention to provide a structure which, during normal use, is durable, rugged, and able to withstand shocks thereto, but when desired can be easily and quickly fractured or disintegrated.

it is another object of the invention to provide housings or containers which provide hermetic sealing of their contents during storage, are extremely resistant to breakage during normal use, but are easily fractured or disintegrated upon demand.

It is an even further object of the invention to provide new improved and rugged fasteners or connecting members which may be easily broken or destroyed upon demand.

It is an even further object of the invention to provide a new and improved quick opening valve structure.

In accordance with these and other objects, features, and advantages, the present invention is directed to structures having a main body portion substantially entirely composed of a frangible material so formed as to have an integrally joined projection or tip member projecting outwardly from said main body portion, the main body portion being able to withstand substantial shocks or impacts thereto without breaking, but will substantially and completely disintegrate upon the rupturing or breaking of the projecting tip therefrom. The structure of the invention, therefore, can be utilized for protective or storage enclosures, fasteners or connectors, or quick and easy opening valves.

Other features, advantages, and objects of the invention will become more readily understood from the following detailed description taken into conjunction with the attached drawings wherein:

FIG. I is a housing or container utilizing the structure of the invention;

H6. 2 is another embodiment of a housing or container in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 3 is a breakable or disintegrable bolt in accordance with the disclosed invention;

H0. 4 is a quick opening valve utilizing the structure of the invention; and

FIG. 5 is another embodiment of a connecting device utilizing the inventive structure therein.

Referring now to FIG. 1 there is disclosed a container or ampul 11th comprising a main cylindrical body portion lll surrounding the cavity 112 in which various fluids or gases, for example, may be stored. The body portion 11 is so molded or formed so as to include a narrow extension or tip 13 which is integrally formed with and projecting from the body 11. The main body portion 111 is formed of a frangible material which is extremely strong and resistant to breakage during normal use, but will completely disintegrate when the narrow extension or tip H3 is broken. At the base of the enclosure is a plug or cap 114 which may be held inplace by threads or an adhesive, for example. After the contents are loaded into the cavity 12 defined by the body portion T1, the plug 14 efiectively hermetically seals the contents from the surrounding environment.

FIG. 2 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the enclosure 10 whereby the contents are loaded into the cavity 12 through the end 16, the base of the main body portion llll then fused together at the bead portion 18. Since the entire enclosure 10 is now formed of a continuous body, the contents within the enclosure w will be more effectively sealed from the environment.

The containers 10 illustrated in FIGS. l and 2 can be used for many purposes. For example, chemicals or gases may be stored therein for shipping since the main body portion 11 is extremely resistant to impacts or mechanical shocks thereto. When it is desired to remove the contents from these containers, the narrow top 13 is broken, resulting in the immediate disintegration of the container and the release of the contents therefrom.

Alternatively, the frangible housing 10 may serve as a fire extinguisher whereby extinguishing material of any suitable gas, liquid, or solid is loaded into the cavity 12. Whenever a fire breaks out, the housing may be thrown at the fire, the impact breaking the tip 13, the body portion 1 l disintegrating, and the contents thereby being released to extinguish the fire.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is described another application of the structure of the invention. Accordingly, a fastening or connector member such as a bolt 20 includes a main body portion 1 1a of the same previously described material with the integrally joined tip 13a projecting therefrom. During use, the bolt will provide a strong and rugged fastener, but when the bolt is desired to be removed, the narrow tip 13 is broken, and the entire bolt 26) disintegrates.

The structure of the invention may also be employed for a quick opening, normally closed valve 30. Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 4, a closure disc formed by a main body portion Bllb extends between the channel walls 31 and has the narrow projection or tip 13b extending through an aperture 34 in one of the walls. The closure disc llb separates the normally closed valve into compartments 35 and 36 defined by the walls 31. The tip 13b is surrounded by a flexible metal sleeve 38 that protects the tip 13b and also seals the aperture 34. When the valve is to be opened, the sleeve 38 is bent, breaking the tip ll3b and shattering the body portion lllb. The fluid or gas within the compartment 35 can now flow through into the compartment 36. If desired, a screen 39 may be provided to catch the particles of the main body portion lllb upon disintegration.

Referring now to H0. 5, there is illustrated still another application utilizing the structure of the invention. Accordingly, a pair of looped cables 50 and 51 are coupled through a connecting ring 6t) which, as before, is composed of a main body portion 11c and an integrally formed narrow tip 13c projecting therefrom. During use, the main body portion 110 maintains its structural integrity, and provides rugges resistance to the opposing forces represented by the cables 50 and 51. When it is desired to decouple the cables 50 and 51, the tip member 1130 is broken or snapped, as before, the connecting ring thus quickly breaking apart, and the cables 50 and 51 are decoupled.

The main body portions ll, llla, 11b, and Me of each of the respective embodiments previously described are substantially entirely formed of a frangible material which maintains its structural integrity whenever subjected to mechanical shocks or impacts, vibrations, and temperature variations thereto, but will completely disintegrate upon the breaking of the integrally formed narrow extending tip (13, 13a, 13b, 13c). While various materials may be used for this purpose, it has proven preferable to form the main body portion 11, Ha, etc. and the projecting tip 13, 130. etc. of tempered glass presently available on the market. Disintegration of the tempered glass is not only complete, but ordinarily not violent, so there is little danger from flying glass. in addition, each of the above embodiments as well as other structures in accordance with the invention may be formed into any shape by ordinary glass working techniques and then tempered after they have been formed.

The integrally formed tip 13, for example, projects out a sufficient distance from the main body portion to enable its fracturing or breaking upon demand. This tip may be broken, for example, by direct application of a mechanical force; or indirectly by the expansion or contraction of a temperature sensitive element coupled to the tip, reaction of a humidity-sensitive thread affixed thereto, or in response to an electric signal actuating an electromechanical device which then fractures the tip.

Various other embodiments, as well as variations to the disclosed embodiments may become apparent to one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is;

l. A new and improved easily disintegrable structure, comprising:

a. a main body portion substantially entirely composed of a frangible material, and

b. a tip member projecting outwardly from said main body portion and so joined with said main body portion that the fracturing of said tip member results in the substantial disintegration of said main body portion.

2. The structure as defined in claim 1 wherein said tip member is integrally joined with, substantially narrower than, and formed of the same material as, said main body portion.

3. The structure as defined in claim 2 wherein said material is tempered glass.

4. The structure as defined in claim 1 wherein said main body portion defines a hollow enclosure for storing substances.

5. The structure as defined in claim I wherein said main body portion defines fastening member.

6. The structure as defined in claim 1 wherein said main body portion defines a closure disc in a normally closed valve.

7. The structure as defined in claim 1 wherein said main body portion defines a circumferentially enclosed connection having an aperture therethrough, and a pair of cables are coupled to said connection through said aperture. 

1. A new and improved easily disintegrable structure, comprising: a. a main body portion substantially entirely composed of a frangible material, and b. a tip member projecting outwardly from said main body portion and so joined with said main body portion that the fracturing of said tip member results in the substantial disintegration of said main body portion.
 2. The structure as defined in claim 1 wherein said tip member is integrally joined with, substantially narrower than, and formed of the same material as, said main body portion.
 3. The structure as defined in claim 2 wherein said material is tempered glass.
 4. The structure as defined in claim 1 wherein said main body portion defines a hollow enclosure for storing substances.
 5. The structure as defined in claim 1 wherein said main body portion defines fastening member.
 6. The structure as defined in claim 1 wherein said main body portion defines a closure disc in a normally closed valve.
 7. The structure as defined in claim 1 wherein said main body portion defines a circumferentially enclosed connection having an aperture therethrough, and a pair of cables are coupled to said connection through said aperture. 